When To Talk To Kids About Birth Control
It is never easy to discuss birth control with your children. Some parents feel that talking about birth control is condoning sexual activity, and they don't want to give their children the sense that they condone this behavior. Not talking about it, however, can lead to ignorance and difficult choice later on. This is certainly a personal decision, but here are a number of ideas about talking to kids about birth control.
Better To Learn From You
Many parents feel that their children are going to learn about sex and birth control somewhere. It is better for them to learn about it from the parent, than from a boyfriend, other peers, and from school. If you have the initial conversation with your child, and keep the lines of communication open afterwards, then you are controlling the flow of information. You want your child to make informed decisions, and to make them carefully. Providing him with information allows him to do so.
What To Talk About
When discussing birth control options with a child, it is vital that you talk about STDs and pregnancy. Your child should understand which birth control options will help to prevent pregnancy, and which will protect against an STD. Not all birth control prevents STDs, and this is very important information for a child to know.
Where to Discuss These Issues
You can have this conversation at home, and look up different products online, you can take your child to a Planned Parenthood clinic, or you can go to the family doctor. It is important for your child to see the various products that are available on the market today and to understand what they are being taught.
Abstinence Is Still Part of the Discussion
You are always welcome to continue to encourage abstinence, even though you are discussing birth control with your child. Just because your child has certain information doesn't mean that he needs to use it. This is an important point to emphasis in your discussion, if abstinence is important to you.
Avoid Fear Tactics
No matter where you decide to have this discussion with your child, and what information you decide to include, you should do it with love and compassion. Using fear tactics will not help your child to make an informed decision. Educate your child about the facts and help him to make the best decision possible in his situation, with your guidance.
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